Use this to discuss any trips

Cooking Extravaganza and Court of Honor

Friday, January 23, to Saturday, January 24, 2015

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE CAMPOUT, NOT The Court of Honor, is Wednesday January 21, 2015

Click here for payment form

Click here for sign up form

 

ACTIVITIES

We’ll focus on building cooking skills as we prepare a feast for the January Court of Honor to be held Saturday night at Camp Glen Gray 5:00 PM.  Come celebrate your achievements and help welcome new bridging scouts.

 

SCHEDULE

Friday evening, we’ll depart OLPH just about 5PM for the short drive to Camp Glen Gray.  We’ll have dinner Friday evening and stay in cabins.  Those needing outdoor camping nights for OA or Camping Merit Badge may sleep in a tent PROVIDED the Scout approves it with Mr. Burns ahead of time.  It will be cold for winter camping and only for the well prepared older or ranked up scouts.

Saturday, we’ll have breakfast and start cooking for the Court of Honor Feast to be held Saturday at 5PM in the warm cafeteria. Families are invited (and encouraged) to attend the COH and should RSVP to the Troop website.   This RSVP is for camping only.  Come celebrate your scout’s success and show him your support.

 

CAMPSITE

Glen and Gray cabins.  12 scouts each.  Preference given to younger scouts.

 

CAMPING MERIT BADGE

This trip affords the prepared scout an opportunity to make progress on the Camping Merit Badge.  For the Camping Merit Badge, Requirement 9 states:

Show experience in camping by doing the following:

a. Camp a total of at least 20 days and 20 nights.* Sleep each night under the sky or in a tent you have pitched. The 20 days and 20 nights must be at a designated Scouting activity or event. You may use a week of long-term camp toward this requirement. If the camp provides a tent that has already been pitched, you need not pitch your own tent.

*All campouts since becoming a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout may count toward this requirement.

b. On any of these camping experiences, you must do TWO of the following, only with proper preparation and under qualified supervision:

  1. Hike up a mountain, gaining at least 1,000 vertical feet.
  2. Backpack, snowshoe, or cross-country ski for at least 4 miles.
  3. Take a bike trip of at least 15 miles or at least four hours.
  4. Take a nonmotorized trip on the water of at least four hours or 5 miles.
  5. Plan and carry out an overnight snow camping experience.
  6. Rappel down a rappel route of 30 feet or more.

c. Perform a conservation project approved by the landowner or land managing agency.

 

FOOD

If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen!  We need dinner Friday, and breakfast, and lunch, on Saturday for the troop!

 

Opportunities for cooking for advancement in rank and for the Cooking merit badge.

Scouts working on the merit badge should have a counselor and discussed the event with him or her.  Troop 49 does not guarantee meeting any requirement other than for advancement which cannot be use twice and counted for the current Eagle Cooking Merit Badge.

 

GEAR

We will be outside for the weekend.  Dress in layered winter clothing, including a jacket, hat, boots and gloves. Clothing must be appropriate for the weather.

 

COST

$ 20.00 which includes camping, and food for the campout.  COH is free to all.  Bring a camp chair.

 

RSVP

Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Thursday, Wednesday January 21 2014.

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Click here for payment page

Click here for sign up form

Friday, December 12 to Saturday December 13, 2014

Morristown Airport
Viacom/Paramount Pictures Aviation
11 Airport Rd. Morristown, NJ, 07960

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Wednesday, December 10, 2014

ACTIVITIES
Mr. Fern will be discussing the basics of automotive maintenance required to achieve the Automotive Maintenance MB. This is a great opportunity to become familiar with the vehicles that we all rely on so heavily in our daily lives. Most people have no idea what magic is happening under the hood of a modern automobile. For those that just started driving, or will be soon, this gives the scout a better understanding and practical experience to perform routine maintenance on their vehicles. From tire rotation to running engine diagnostic codes, this will be a great hands-on orientation, filled with getting your hands dirty and learning something that will save you time and money throughout one’s life.

SCHEDULE
Friday evening we’ll depart OLPH just after 5 PM and carpool down to the Corporate Hangar. Please see attached directions: Approximately 35 min. Meet Mr. Fern at the Hangar (will need someone to coordinate at OLPH) Roll call at Hangar at 5:45pm, get settled in and prep for dinner. Please eat a good snack ahead of time. After Dinner/ clean up –review Automotive MB workbook and start practical review of the automobile.

Saturday, breakfast/clean up. Continue practical review and technical hands on projects on vehicles. If time permits, work on Canoe trailer/Canoes / troop trailer new and old?

Return home around 5pm or earlier

FOOD
If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen! We need dinner Friday, breakfast, and lunch Saturday for the troop!

Sleeping and Gear
• All bring Mess kit
• Class B Uniform
• Camping gear – For those that are planning to camp outside for requirements, please bring: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and make appropriate accommodation for cold weather. Otherwise, you may sleep in the warm hangar with the aircraft. (sleeping bag and mat or cot)
NOTE: Read “Cold Weather Comfort” on the Pathfinders website for those preparing to sleep outside.
http://www.troop49oakland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Cold-Weather-Comfort-and-Safety.pdf

COST
$ 20.00 per scout and adult. No siblings this time.

RSVP
Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

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Click Here for Okemo Ski Trip Payment Form

Click Here for Okemo Ski Activity Consent Form

You asked for it and we heard you. Troop 49 will be running an awesome ski trip to OKEMO Mountain Resort in the ski capital of the Northeast, Vermont!! (less than 4 hours from Oakland).

We will leave Friday afternoon (immediately following school), February 6th and return Sunday evening. We will be renting for 2 nights the entire newly renovated Homestyle Hostel in Ludlow VT (opening shortly and minutes from the mountain). Here is their facebook link https://www.facebook.com/HomestyleHostel

After a good night’s sleep on Friday, we will prepare breakfast at the Hostel and hit the slopes of Okemo. After a hard day of skiing and snowboarding, we will return to the hostel for a hearty dinner, share some stories and do it all again on Sunday. Life doesn’t get any better!

Due to the sleep accommodation limitations at the Hostel, a maximum of 26 people can stay at the Hostel. Initially, we will be accepting sign-ups for sleeping at the Hostel for Scouts only (24 Maximum). If there is still room after the initial sign-up period (which ends December 1st), family members will be accepted. BUT DON’T WORRY! There is no limitation on the number of people who can attend this trip. If you are unable to sleep at the Hostel, there are sleeping accommodations available a few doors down from the Hostel at the Best Western (prices approximately the same based on 4 person occupancy). If you are interesting in booking a room at the Best Western, contact Mr. Dugas for information at 201-788-1497.

The following is the price if you are staying at the Hostel:

  • Lift tickets for Saturday and Sunday, Hostel accommodations Friday and Saturday night, Saturday Breakfast and Dinner, Sunday Breakfast: $120 for Scouts (as a result of a $75 troop subsidy), $195 for non-scouts ages 13-18, $215 for adults (an awesome deal!)
  • If needed, the group equipment rentals for 2 days are $66 (if you will be skiing for the season, you may want to rent equipment for the season at home)
  • We will provide a snack to take to the mountain but, you are welcome to purchase Lunch at the mountain.
  • Transportation will be via carpool

If you are unable or don’t wish to stay at the hostel you can deduct $80 from the above prices that can be applied towards your hotel stay.

Payment Information:

  • Payment for the trip is due in-full at time of registration using the links for the Payment/Registration Form and Activity Consent Form. Printout and fully complete both forms and return with your payment to Mr. Dugas (not Mr. Foley). You will not be considered registered for the trip until these items are delivered to Mr. Dugas.

Note: Your base payment of $50 (Scouts), $70 (non-scouts) is non-refundable unless we are able to either fill your spot or obtain a refund from Shawnee on a best efforts basis (NO GUARANTEE).

Please note we are limited to 26 people in the Hostel so please sign-up early to guarantee you spot. Also, if the scout is a new skier/snowboarder and is unable to negotiate the trails and lifts on his own, a parent or guardian must attend the trip. Also if a sibling will be attending, a parent /guardian must attend as well.

Important: All attendees must have an updated BSA medical form (Parts A&B) on file with Mrs. Burns. That means it must be dated within 1 year of 2/8/15.

If anyone is interested in completing the Snowsports merit badge, please contact Mr. Dugas.

You can contact Mr. Dugas if you have any questions or concerns via email or phone at fetriman1@aol.com , 201-788-1497.

 

Friday, November 7, to Sunday, November 9, 2014

Trip to Saratoga National Historic Park

http://www.nps.gov/sara/index.htm

http://www.ogs.ny.gov/esp/ct/tours/Capitol.asp

 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE SUNDAY Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Click here for payment page

Click here for sign up form

ACTIVITIES

We will travel to the Albany, NY area on Friday morning. On arrival, we will tour the State Capitol and have an opportunity to visit the Corning Tower in Empire State Plaza and the State museum. We have a tour booked for 12:00. Bring a bag lunch for after the tour. Backpacks will slow you down because you will have to go through security in all buildings, so we will leave them in the trailer. No pocket knives or knives of any kind are allowed and any found will be confiscated by security. Please leave them in the car and NOT in your backpack if you bring one for the trip.

 

In the afternoon, we will continue on to Saratoga and establish our campsite on the historic Saratoga Battlefield. We’re expecting crisp weather, so our fall weather camping skills will have to be tack sharp to ensure a comfortable trip. On Saturday, we will hike 8 miles on the historic trail, steeping ourselves in the rich history of the site. Late in the afternoon, we will take part in a service project, leaving our small mark on this important site. Sunday morning, we’ll visit some other sites in the area, and head home after lunch. This promises to be a fun trip!

 

SCHEDULE

Friday morning, we’ll depart OLPH just about 8 AM for the drive to Saratoga National Park and surrounding area. Departing no later than 10 AM Sunday, we should arrive home between 12 Noon to be picked up at OLPH.

 

CAMPSITE

We’ll have a campsite at the Historic Saratoga Battlefield Park. There are port-a-pots available and it will be cold. Prepare for winter camping. See the Troop’s website for tips on COLD WEATHER COMFORT & SAFETY under “Information Files.”

 

http://www.troop49oakland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Cold-Weather-Comfort-and-Safety.pdf

 

FOOD

If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen! We need a snack and dinner Friday evening, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and a grab and go breakfast Sunday for the troop!

 

GEAR

We will be outside for the weekend. Dress in layers for warming days and cool nights. We will be tenting on the ground – no lean-to structures. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. See reference above.

 

COST

$ 25.00 which includes camping, and food.

 

RSVP

Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Wed 11/5/14.

Back To Home Page

Links to sign up:

Link to Registration Form

Link to Payment Page

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Program Event Site:  http://www.pumpkinsling.com/

Click for 2013 Photos

ACTIVITIES

Along with other teams from schools, communities, scout troops, and others, we will participate in a pumpkin throwing event!  In a country fair atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to help fellow scouts prepare our trebuchet, make modifications to improve its performance, and ultimately deliver our best 3 throws in the friendly competition.  We’ll get a close look at Sir Chunks A lot, world-class competitor in the national competition held in Delaware.

SCHEDULE

Friday evening, we’ll depart OLPH just after 6 PM for the drive to the Pocono Raceway site in Pennsylvania.  We’ll have a sandwich in the car, or before arriving at OLPH.  Once there, we’ll establish our campsite and get to work on the trebuchet.  We’ll have a heavy snack in the evening, and get a good night’s sleep.

Saturday, we’ll have breakfast and be on the firing line by 9 AM, with first shots taking place at 9:00 AM. Events continue throughout the day, with third and final round of shooting beginning at 3 PM.  Around 5 PM, we’ll break down and pack our gear.  Departing around 6 PM, we should arrive home between 8 and 9 PM Saturday evening.

CAMPSITE

We’ll have a campsite on the property of Pocono Raceway (NOT inside the stadium/track).  Should be very cool!

FOOD

If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen!  We need snack Friday, breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday for the troop!

GEAR

We will be outside for the weekend.  Dress in layers for warming days and cool nights.  We will be tenting on the ground.  Clothing should be appropriate for the weather.  We have a lovely campsite, but it requires a short walk to access.  As this will be a short trip, bring only the equipment which you require.

COST

$ 20.00 which includes camping, admission, and food.

RSVP

Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Thursday, October 16, 2014.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE THURSDAY 09/25/2014

Sign up Form – Click Here

Payment Form – Click Here

More info about the park:  http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/flbe.html

FB-Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTIVITIES

We will be exploring the old airfield, canoeing on Jamaica bay, touring the historic aircraft restoration project and maybe getting in a bicycle ride!  This is a site we’ve never visited, so come and be part of the first group to explore!

SCHEDULE

Saturday morning: arrive at OLPH at 6:50 for a 7:00 AM departure having eaten breakfast, or bring a brown bag dinner with you.  Saturday, we will cook lunch and dinner in camp.  Sunday morning, we’ll have breakfast, perhaps have a ride or a paddle, pack up, and head for home targeting a noon arrival or earlier into Oakland.

CAMPSITE

We have 4 campsites for the weekend right on the old airstrip.  Should be very cool!

FOOD

If you need to cook one or more meals for advancement, this is your opportunity to step up and make it happen!  We need lunch, dinner, and breakfast for the troop!

GEAR

We will be outside for the weekend.  Dress for in layers for warming days and cool nights.  We will be tenting on the ground.  Clothing should be appropriate for the weather.  We have a lovely campsite, but it requires a short walk to access.  As this will be a short trip, bring only the equipment which you require.  A backpack is strongly encouraged.

COST

$ 20.00 which includes camp reservations, and food.

RSVP

Payment due to Mr. Peter Foley by Friday, September 26.

 

 

Dates to remember:

March 15 – Campership applications due to NNJ Council

April 1 – Registration opens on website for merit badge signups

April 15 – Early bird deadline (fees go up $50.00 after this date!)

July 27 – August 2nd  – Summer Camp!!!

Links:

Click here to Register

Click here for Payment Page

Camp Fees: 

Important Note:  Do not make payments directly to the Northern New Jersey Council; All Payments will be handled through Troop 49 to reduce additional accounting work on both sides.  As such, while the early bird deadline for the Council is April 15, in order for the troop to get payments to Council by that date, we need for our scouts to make payments to the Troop by no later than April 10.

Through our fundraising efforts, Troop 49 is able to give each scout a $30 credit for use for one NNJC Summer Camp weeks at either Floodwood or Turrell.

Full   price

Less   $30 troop subsidy

Paying by 4/10

$375

$345

Paying after 4/10

$425

$395

Bottom line – If you’re not going to Floodwood, and you pay by April 8, the cost is $345.

Camp Information:

As we get closer to camp time, information including the 2014 Summer Camp Leader’s Guide, Medical forms and Merit Badge class signups will be posted on the Northern New Jersey Council Website at:   www.nnjbsa-turrell.org

Merit Badge Class registration – When the form to register for merit badges goes on line, each scout attending camp must go through and sign up for classes during each session of the day.  Please make sure that when you go through this process, you select the correct camp week that we will be there:

Session 4         (Week 4)         July 27 to August 2

Questions?:

If you have any other questions, contact Mr. Tendai Richards at tendai@optonline.net.

 

Friday, May 16, to Saturday, May 17, 2014

Glen Gray Merit Badge Fair Weekend – Camp Glen Gray, Mahwah NJ

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Event Signups are Closed. This information is to register for camping.

Click here for payment page

Click here for sign up form

ACTIVITIES

Younger scouts who are attending and did not complete the Tot’in Chit or Fireman Card are more than welcome to complete them either Friday night. Otherwise it is AM Merit badge Class and then PM Merit badge. Your Merit Badge counselors will be getting in touch with you shortly. If you have signed up and made the commitment, please make all efforts to keep it, otherwise notify me ASAP, since there is a waiting line for other scouts. After the fair is over, we will leave around 4:30 PM.

CAMPSITE

The troop has reserved Dormanville and Beaverville for the weekend.

COST

$ 20.00 which includes camp reservations, and food.

GEAR

We will be outside for the weekend. Dress for in layers for warming days and cool nights. We are tenting in lean-to’s, however there may not be enough, so tenting on the ground will be the other option. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather. We have the same Campsites. Dormanville and Beaverville, which are great campsites, but it requires a bit of a hike to get in. Bring only the equipment which you require. A backpack is strongly encouraged.

COOKING/FOOD

Friday night: arrive having eaten dinner, or bring a brown bag dinner with you. We will have a snack late in the evening. Saturday, we will cook breakfast and lunch.

RSVP

Payment due to Mr. Leymeister by May 2, 2014.

Click Here For Payment Page

 Click Here For Sign up Form

April 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th         

Gettysburg National Park, Eisenhower Farm/Estate, Harley Davidson Factory

1195 Baltimore Pike

Gettysburg, PA 17325

RSVP:   March 25, 2014

Activity:

Scouts/Adults have the option of doing the various hikes offered to earn patches and the medal.

 

NOTE: Siblings/Families are invited. There are hotels right near the campsite if preferred.

The hikes are not mandatory for all and many of the “points of interest” on the hikes are accessible by car, so that is an option for families. Siblings/Families do not have to participate in the hikes, but are welcome to.  Be advised the pace of the troop may exceed that of siblings/families, so it may be necessary to split into separate groups.

Nearby Hotels:

Hilton Garden Inn                   1-866-460-7440

Hampton Inn                          1-866-460-7440

American Best                        717-334-1188

1863 Inn of Gettysburg          717-334-6211

Colton                                                 717-334-5514

Quality Inn                              717-334-3141

 

 

=Trail guides and patch info=
http://newbirthoffreedom.org/gettysburg-heritage-trails-program/
The National Park Service and the New Birth of Freedom Council have published a trail guide for each of these five trails and tours.

Patches/Medals that can be earned:

  • Main Gettysburg patch (Visit to Park/Visitors Center)
  • Johnny Reb, BillyYank, Eisenhower, and Historic Gettysburg segments
  • Gettysburg Trail Medal (To receive the Trail Medal, Scouts must have completed the entire set of requirements for each patch segment.)

 

Itinerary   (To be updated – times/days of hikes may change) Note: Since this Trip is about two Armies we will keep track of time as the military did. First time is EST and second is Military (after 12:noon just add 12 onto the EST time to get the military time.)

Friday:

5:00 PM or 17:00          Meet at OLPH

5:15 PM or 17:15          Leave OLPH for Artillery Ridge Camping Resort

NOTE:  You can also choose to meet the group at Gettysburg

10:15 PM or 22:15        Arrive and Set-Up CAMP

11:00 PM or 13:00        Lights Out

 

Saturday

7:00AM or 7:00                        Reveille and Breakfast

TBD                              National Park Visitors Center

TBD                              Johnny Reb Trail – 4 miles – 2.5 hours.

TBD                              Historic Gettysburg Trail – walking tour through downtown area and imagine what life was like there in 1863. 3 miles – 2-3 hours.

TBD                              Dinner

11:00 PM or 23:00        Sleep!


Sunday:

07:00 or 7:00                Reveille and Breakfast

TBD                              Billy Yank Trail – 10 miles – 6 hours. Takes you through the Gettysburg battlefield.

TBD                              Eisenhower Estate/Farm

TBD                              Dinner

 

Activities in and around camp. Explore the camp, work on advancement requirements, exploring camp, playing games, etc.

Saturday/Sunday Night:

Fantastic star gazing if the night sky is clear.  Bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one.

Monday Morning:

7:00 AM or 7:00           Breakfast in camp.

9:00 AM or 9:00           Pack up and depart for Harley Davidson Tour  (children under 12 are not allowed on the tour)

11:00AM or 11:00         Depart for Home Optional stop ( At drivers’ discretion) : Cabela’s- Hamburg, PA.

TBD                              Eisenhower Estate if not done on Sunday

Bring:

  • Personal gear including water bottle, knife, fork, spoon, cup, bowl and/or plate.
  • Cold weather clothes, boots, hats, gloves, sleeping clothes, etc

NOTE: Refer to Pathfinder website for cold weather tips

https://www.thepathfinders.org/Pathfinders/coldweather.htm

Cost:   Estimated to be around $55 to 50 for adults, $50 per scout sibling   NOTE: A Scout subsidy request will be presented to the Troop Committee. Will be completed on Tuesday  March 8th

 

Car Pools:

If someone else is driving your son on this trip, please consider providing them with a fair stipend for gas, etc.

Cooking/Food:

  • Scouts will cook for themselves
  • Adults will cook for themselves
  • Plan for Saturday & Sunday -Breakfast, Lunch, Supper; Monday – Breakfast.

Siblings:  Siblings welcome.   An adult must be with a non-Scout sibling at all times. Siblings/Families do not have to participate in the hikes, but are certainly welcome to.

References:

National Park Site       http://www.nps.gov/gett

Click here for Signup Form

Click here for Payment Page

Click here for the 5/1/2014 Troop Meeting Presentation

Whitewater Rafting on the Lehigh River is always a troop favorite.  We will take part in a Dam Release Weekend on the Lehigh through the Whitewater Challengers Outfitter & Campground.

 

Dates – Depart 5:30 PM on Friday, June 6 from OLPH Lower Parking Lot.  Return home by noon on Sunday, June 8.

 

Campground Location/GPS address:  Whitewater Challengers – 288 North Stagecoach Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255.  Latitude 40.9844, Longitude  -75.7864

 

Directions:  From Oakland, take I-287 south to I-80 west.  Cross the Delaware River (toll) and continue on I-80 west to exit 273 in Pennsylvania.   Go west on Route 940 for 1/2 mile.  Turn left onto Lehigh Gorge Drive.  Go  4.8 miles and turn right onto Buck Mountain Road. Go 1 mile to first intersection. Turn right again onto North Stagecoach Road. Go 300 yards to the entrance on the right.

 

Siblings – Siblings aged 9+, with height of 44”+ are welcome WITH a parent.  Siblings must pay the “adult” rate.

 

Food – since the focus is on rafting, we will be utilizing the dining facility for Saturday Breakfast, Dinner and Sunday Breakfast.  Friday night snacks and a bag lunch for Saturday will be prepared prior to our departure.

 

FORMS REQUIRED

BSA Health form – Please make sure you have a CURRENT health form on file with the troop.

Whitewater Challenger Waiver – This form is required by the outfitter of all participants.  Please provide the form to Rob Dente. Link to form: http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/documents/LehighWaiverForm.pdf

 

OTHER PLANNING AND PREPARATION ITEMS

Weather:  Always check the weather prior to camping.  The temperature forecast for this weekend is as low as 53 degrees at this time, and cloudy with a chance of rain.  Please bring adequate rain gear, etc.  The trips on the River run Rain or Shine!!!

 

Advancement – We will have lots of opportunity for scouts to learn and review advancement requirements.  Please bring along your Scout Handbook and work with your Patrol Leader and other Troop Guides/Instructors.

 

Rafting Safety Video – The Whitewater Challengers Outfitter offers a safety video on their website.  The video is less than 6 minutes in length.  Take a moment to watch this with those attending the trip to remind and re-emphasize the importance of safety on the trip:  http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-safety.asp

 

What to Pack/bring – Always refer to the Boy Scout Handbook for information on what to pack on campouts.  Here is a list that is a bit more customized for our trip this weekend.

 

__Class A Uniform:  Scouts are to travel in their CLASS A uniform:  Scout Pants or shorts, Shirt & Troop Neckerchief.  Uniforms are required for Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast.  We will take a troop photo just prior to dinner on Saturday night in Class A uniforms.

__Pack in a duffel bag or soft backpack (No frame packs, please, since space in cars may be limited)

__Plastic hanger to hang your scout uniform up when you are not wearing it

__Old sneakers (NOT flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs,” and bare feet – these are not permitted)

__Bathing suit

__2 Full changes of clothes

__Dry shoes/boots/sneakers (for after the trip)

__Eyeglass straps

__Suntan lotion

__ Cap or visor

__Warm Layer, including wool hat, sweater, socks, gloves for when the temperature drops at night

__Jacket

__ Sleeping Bag 32-40 degree rated at a minimum.

__ Pillow

__Ground Sheet or Foam Pad

__Cot (optional / if space provides)

__Flashlight

__Tent (The troop has a number of tents available if you do not have one)

__BSA Handbook

__Toiletries for showering – After a day of sweating and river water, showers are a MUST!!!

__Flip flops for shower

__ At least 1 towel – 2 is preferred

__Consider money for the following items:

Wet Suit (optional/weather permitting) – approx. $25 for full suit

Souvenir Photos – Each raft is photographed.  You may wish to purchase yours.

Trading post – There is a popular snack bar with hot dogs, snacks and soft serve ice cream.

Zip Line – The facility operates a zip line on site, which is an extra cost.

 

See the outfitter website at http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/lehigh/lehigh-whitewater.asp  for more info and current prices of optional activities, etc.

 

What do we wear in the raft?   In warmer weather, a swim suit or shorts and T-shirt are best.  A baseball cap, visor, or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather.  Old sneakers or shoes that lace-up offer the best foot protection.  Flip flops, loose-fitting sandals, “crocs” and bare feet are not permitted.  Snug fitting sandals (like Tevas) that attach firmly at the toe and heel are acceptable, but don’t offer the same foot protection against sharp rocks as old sneakers do. Wet suit booties are available in our rental shop.  In cooler conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal.  In cool or cold conditions DO NOT wear cotton, either on its own, or under a wet suit or windbreaker.  Wet suits and waterproof paddling gear can be rented at the rafting center.  (Rental fee is $20 for full wet suit package; or $6 for jacket; $6 for pants; $5 for booties and $3 for mittens.)  Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer.

 

What can we bring in the raft?  In the raft, bring as little as possible.  The Troop will provide lunch.  If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river.  Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left at camp.  Scouts should see me about locking items up while out on the river.

 

Please Do Not Bring the following:

• No Alcohol/drugs (Never allowed in scouting. Not allowed on the river or in WWC camping areas)

• No smoking in the campsite.  Use designated areas as identified by the WWC campground.

• No Ice chests in rafts.  These take up too much room and can pose a hazard in rough water

• No hooded rain suits/ponchos in the rafts (these are unsafe for use in moving water)

• No bare feet, loose sandals, “crocs” or flip-flops (unsafe on the river)

• No cotton clothing in cold weather (makes you colder when wet; use polypropylene or wool)

• No expensive cameras (unless waterproof)

• No Jewelry, valuables – they are irreplaceable if lost in the river.

• No Wallets on the river.  Lock them in your car.

• No Keys on the river.  The outfitter has a key board in the office.

•No Pets (Never allowed in scouting.  Not allowed on the river or in the campground)

Preparedness for the trip

All attendees are required to have passed the BSA “Swimmer” Test within the past 12 months.  So, if you have been to summer camp and have completed the swim test, then you are covered.  If not, you will need to arrange to have the BSA swim test completed.  The swimmer must complete the following:

–          Jump feetfirst into water over the head in depth.

–          Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes:

  • sidestroke,
  • breaststroke,
  • trudgen, or
  • crawl;

–          then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke.

–          The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn.

–          After completing the swim, rest by floating.

All attendees should be familiar with BSA Safety Afloat.  Visit this link to learn more: http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Aquatics/safety-afloat.aspx